Velma Tropf

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Velma "Belle" Tropf, 90, of Advance died Thursday, Nov. 20, 2003, at Advance Nursing Center.

She was born Feb. 14, 1913, in Advance, daughter of Wiley and Carrie Summers Winchester. She married Lester Grindstaff, who preceded her in death. She later married Amel "Pug" Tropf Sept. 25, 1947. He died April 24, 1988.

Belle worked in the fitting department at Inland Shoe Co. more than 32 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church and VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Advance.

Survivors include three grandchildren, Mark Grindstaff of Atlanta, Ga., Shawn Sales of Farmington, Mo., Tiffany Deimund of Cape Girardeau; three great-grandchildren, Lacey Markham and Grant Grindstaff of Atlanta, and Caroline Gratton of Farmington.

She was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Dean Grindstaff; a brother, Red Winchester; two sisters, Oma Anderson and Alma Shelton.

Friends may call at Morgan Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Stan Gibson officiating. Burial will be in Morgan Memorial Park.

Donations may be made to Advance First Baptist Church or Advance School Foundation.